A Community Coming Together

Posted October 2, 2009

﻿My life has taught me that most of the theology that average people experience is in the day-to-day struggles and victories of life, the ways in which people love or don’t love one another, and often simply by “showing up” for each other, regardless of one’s background or beliefs. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, help out the flooded (Matthew 25:31-46).

I saw this everyday theology here at Candler over the past couple of weeks. Storms in north Georgia dumped up to 20 inches of rain on Atlanta and surrounding counties last week, causing widespread flooding. Candler faculty, staff, and students were affected along with thousands of others across the community. Luckily, no one from Candler or Emory died in the flooding, though there were 8 deaths attributed to the floods in the state. Our prayers go out to all of those affected by the floods.

Immediately after the floods hit, the Candler community came together to help each other out. We created a Flood Fund, an online web page where people could both make donations and seek assistance in their time of need. Rebecca Spurrier (MDiv 09), acting director of student life and spiritual formation, reflected on the Flood Fund: “I think the community is one that believes in caring for one another. The fund provides a way to share the resources that God has given us.”

First-year MDiv student Patrick McLaughlin is also planning a Chili Cook-Off for mid-October, with proceeds to benefit flood victims from Candler and the larger Emory community.

Read more about the Candler community supporting each other in the Emory Wheel.